It's not four years, it's for life!

I'm sure that is what everyone is hearing now that school has started back up and rushing for greek life is in full swing. Let me first start off by saying you will NEVER hear a more true statement.

It's not four years, it's for life.

If you have ever have been curious about checking out greek life, or maybe if you've never been interested (I never was) I strongly encourage it, simply for the fact that it will change your life more than you could ever imagine.

When I was first a freshman in college I never imagined myself as a "sorority" girl type. Little did I know there is no type! Freshman year I watched my best friend, going to cool events, get amazing gifts, have a crazy amazing support system, and overall grow into an amazing young women all thanks to Alpha Xi Delta.

I remember seeing her grow and change in amazing ways with me standing on the sidelines trying to find my way and who I was as a person 500 miles from home.

I decided that the following year I would rush. If I could go back in time I would've rushed sooner!

I can honestly say that Alpha Xi Delta helped me to realize my potential. They helped show me what I was capable of. I went from being the party girl who couldn't dress in business attire and was always drunk at a party, to being a respectable young woman holding various important positions in my chapter.

Now I'm not saying that you can't have fun while in a sorority. I go out all the time! However, your priorities change, but they aren't forced. Being part of something bigger than you makes you want to be better. I wanted to do better in school, I wanted to volunteer more. I even found a new passion through Autism Speaks.

More importantly, I wanted to be a better person, because the letters I wear across my chest, the beautiful quill pin close to my heart holds so much. I wanted to be the girl who broke the stereotypes not made them. I was the girl who wanted to change the world not let the world change me. Alpha Xi Delta helped to give me options to do that.

The most important thing however will be the bonds you make. Going Greek is NOT paying for friends. It's paying for leadership experiences. It's paying for funds to raise money for Autism Speaks. It's paying to prepare meals for the homeless population in our area. Through these service events you bond with people you would have never met otherwise. Your sisters become the girls you call for a late night Taco Bell run.

Your sisters become your number one fans at your first collegiate game.

They're there when you need a shoulder to cry on because it's 3am and your life is falling apart, but there also there for a laugh at 3pm before dinner.

These bonds, these people, they are priceless. I may have my cliche sorority girl moments, but I wouldn't have it any other way, with the girls and the letters that changed my life and helped me realize my potential.

It's not four years, it's for life.